Biodegradable packaging

ABSTRACT

Packaging that includes a first layer of bubbles, wherein each of the bubbles comprises an outer shell that defines an interior cavity, and a first element and a second, different element provided within the interior cavity of at least one bubble. The at least one bubble is configured to inflate or degrade over time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to biologically programmable,biodegradable packaging that can be triggered to inflate to a specificshape and/or be controllably deformed over time, based on a profile ofan article that is intended to be secured by the packaging. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to biodegradable packagingthat includes live bacteria and media, which allows the packaging todegrade or deflate over time in a controlled manner.

2. Description of the Background

Packaging can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goodsfor transport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and/or end use. Generally,packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells.Some types of packaging, and in particular bubble-type packaging,consists of a transparent plastic material that is used for packagingarticles. The bubbles in the packaging provide cushioning for fragile orsensitive objects, and are generally available in different sizes,depending on a size of the article being packed, as well as a desiredlevel of cushioning protection for the article. In some instances,multiple layers of bubble-type packaging may be needed to provide shockand vibration isolation. In many instances, bubble-type packaging isformed from polyethylene film, which may comprise low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), with a shaped side bonded to a flat side to formair bubbles. Some types of bubble wrap have a lower permeation barrierfilm to allow longer useful life and resistance to loss of air.

While the bubble portions of bubble-type packaging can come in a varietyof sizes, the most common size of a bubble portion is one centimeter. Inaddition to the protection afforded to a carried article based on a sizeof air bubbles in the plastic, the plastic material itself can offerprotection for the article being retained. For example, when shippingsensitive electronic parts and components, a type of bubble wrap can beused that employs an anti-static plastic that dissipates static charge.However, as with nearly all types of bubble-type packaging available toconsumers and producers alike, which is typically made frompolyethylene, the above-noted bubble-type packaging does not biodegradequickly, and may take hundreds of years to do so. Further, theabove-described bubble-type packaging typically includes rows andcolumns of bubbles that are the same size and same height, which canresult in inefficient use of space when packaging an article since morepackaging may be used than is necessary to secure an article. Stillfurther, because bubble-type packaging having bubbles of the same sizeis typically utilized, additional inefficiencies result since voids orspaces may be formed where the bubbles are not of an adequate height orshape to fittingly secure the article within the bubble-type packaging.

In light of the above-noted deficiencies with currently-availablebubble-type packaging, a need exists for a biologically programmable,biodegradable, and efficient type of packaging that can be used to storearticles of varying sizes, including articles of clothing or footwear,electronics, or other types of industrial, commercial, or personalequipment.

SUMMARY

Biodegradable packaging, as described herein, may have variousconfigurations, and is generally formed to be secured around aparticular article based on an intended use of the biodegradablepackaging. In some instances, the biodegradable packaging may be used tosecure an article of footwear during packaging and transport thereof.

In some embodiments, packaging includes a first layer of bubbles,wherein each of the bubbles comprises an outer shell that defines aninterior cavity, and a first element and a second, different elementprovided within the interior cavity of at least one bubble. The at leastone bubble is configured to inflate or degrade over time. In someembodiments the first element is yeast. In some embodiments, the secondelement includes bacteria.

In some embodiments, the outer shell of the at least one bubbleincluding the first element and the second element comprises abiodegradable material. In some embodiments, the first element is yeastand the second element is bacteria. In some embodiments, all of thebubbles of the first layer include the first element and the secondelement in their respective cavities. In some embodiments, the firstelement and the second element are not activated during a first state,and the first element and the second element are activated during asecond state.

In some embodiments, packaging includes a first layer and a second layerof bubbles, wherein each of the bubbles comprises an outer shell thatdefines an interior cavity, the first layer and the second layer beingconnected along an outer edge. At least one bubble of the first layer ofbubbles includes a first element and a second element within theinterior cavity. At least one bubble of the second layer of bubblesincludes the first element and the second element within the interiorcavity, and wherein the at least one bubbles of the first and secondlayers are configured to inflate or degrade over time.

In some embodiments the first element is yeast. In some embodiments, thesecond element includes bacteria. In some embodiments, the outer shellof the at least one bubble including the first element and the secondelement in the first and second layers comprises a biodegradablematerial. In some embodiments, the first element is yeast and the secondelement is bacteria. In some embodiments, all of the bubbles of thefirst layer and second layer include the first element and the secondelement in their respective cavities. In some embodiments, a void isformed between the first layer of bubbles and the second layer ofbubbles. In some embodiments, the void is configured to hold a pair ofshoes. In some embodiments, the first plurality of bubbles areconfigured to inflate and the second plurality of bubbles are configuredto deflate after being subjected to a stimulant.

In some embodiments, a method of preparing an article of footwear fortransport in bubble-type packaging, comprising the steps of providingpackaging that includes a first layer and a second layer of bubbles,wherein each of the bubbles comprises an outer shell that defines aninterior cavity, wherein each of the first layer of bubbles and thesecond layer of bubbles includes a first element and a second elementwithin the interior cavity of each bubble, and wherein the bubbles areconfigured to inflate or degrade over time, emitting a first stimulantupon the packaging to activate one or more of the first element and thesecond element, and placing the article within a void defined betweenthe first layer and the second layer.

In some embodiments, the article includes a pair of shoes. In someembodiments, the first layer and the second layer have bubbles of afirst size and bubbles of a second size, wherein the first size isgreater than the second size. In some embodiments, the method furtherincludes the step of securing the article by biologically programmingthe first element and the second element to cause the first layer ofbubbles and the second layer of bubbles to snugly secure the article.

Other aspects of the biodegradable packaging, including features andadvantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein.Therefore, all such aspects of the article of footwear are intended tobe included in the detailed description and this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective and detail view of biodegradablepackaging, which includes packaging bubbles, in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a side schematic view of a packaging bubble, similar to thepackaging bubbles of FIG. 1, in a first state;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation schematic view of another packaging bubble,similar to the packaging bubbles of FIG. 1, in a second state;

FIG. 2C is a side schematic view of another embodiment of a packagingbubble in a first state;

FIG. 2D is a side elevation schematic view of still another embodimentof a packaging bubble in a second state;

FIG. 2E is a side schematic view of yet another embodiment of apackaging bubble having a thicker outer shell than the embodiments ofFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in a first state;

FIG. 2F is a side elevation schematic view of another embodiment of apackaging bubble having a thicker outer shell than the embodiments ofFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in a second state;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the biodegradable packaging of FIG. 1shown in a first configuration;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the biodegradable packaging of FIG. 1shown in a second configuration;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the biodegradable packaging of FIG. 1shown in a third configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the biodegradable packaging of FIG. 1shown in the third configuration and holding a pair of shoes or articlesof footwear;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the biodegradable packaging and article offootwear of FIG. 4 in the third configuration and a non-activated state;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the biodegradable packaging and article offootwear of FIG. 4 in the third configuration and an activated state;and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart that depicts a method of manufacturing packaging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose variousembodiments or configurations of biodegradable packaging that arecapable of securing or retaining a number of articles, includingarticles of clothing or articles of footwear. Although embodiments ofbiodegradable packaging are disclosed that are specific to packagingthat secures one or more articles of footwear, concepts associated withembodiments of the biodegradable packaging may be used to secure a widevariety of articles, including clothing, electronics, toys, cosmetics,foodstuffs, automotive equipment, cleaning products, beverages, jewelry,office supplies, cook wear, sporting equipment, home goods, or any othertype of consumer or industrial product that may be transported from onelocation to another. In addition to bubble-type packaging, particularconcepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in othertypes of packaging, including blister packs, vacuum packaging, boxes, orother types of packaging. Accordingly, concepts described herein may beutilized in a variety of products and in a variety of applications.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variations in the numericalquantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring andmanufacturing procedures used for articles of packaging, or otherarticles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosureherein, through inadvertent error in these procedures, throughdifferences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredientsused to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods, andthe like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and“approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value thatthe term precedes.

The terms “inflate,” “inflatable,” and “inflation,” as used herein,refer to a material, component of, or portion of an article, such as aportion of packaging for example, that is capable of expanding orcontracting over time. Inflation of a material may be achieved by directintroduction of a stimulant or stimuli comprising a gas or a liquid,which includes, but is not limited to, air, CO₂, nitrogen, hydrogen,helium, water, a solution, or combinations thereof.

The terms “bioinflation,” “bioinflatable,” and “bioinflation,” as usedherein, refer to a material, which may comprise a composition, anarticle or portion thereof, or packaging or a portion thereof, which iscapable of expanding and holding a gas that has been generated by abiologically active agent. Bioinflation of the material may be achievedby introducing a composition comprising a biologically active agent intothe material, along the material, or into a cavity that is defined bythe material. Following activation of the biologically active agent by astimulant or multiple stimuli, the biologically active agent releases agas to expand and inflate the material. For example, a biologicallyactive agent used for bioinflation will metabolize a chosen carbonsource to produce gas, such as CO₂, which will then inflate thematerial.

Inflation or bioinflation may be identified based on an increase involume of the material, an increase in the tautness of the surface ofthe material, an increase in the surface area of the material, anincrease in the volume of air, gas, or liquid inside of the material, oran increase in the partial pressure inside of the material.

The terms “degrade,” “degradable,” and “degradation,” as used herein,refers to a material, component of, or portion of an article, such as aportion of packaging for example, that is capable of being decomposedchemically or biologically following activation by a given stimulant orstimuli that promotes decomposition at a rate more rapid than if thematerial were left to decompose without the stimulant, stimuli or activeagent.

The terms “biodegrade,” “biodegradable,” and “biodegradation,” as usedherein, refer to a material, which may comprise a composition, anarticle or portion thereof, or packaging or a portion thereof, that iscapable of being decomposed biologically following activation by a givenbiological stimulant or stimuli, or exposure to a biologically activeagent that promotes decomposition at a rate more rapid than if thematerial were left to decompose without the biologically activestimulant.

Degradation or biodegradation may be identified based on an alterationin the properties of the polymer or material such as a reduction inmolecular weight, loss of mechanical strength, loss of surfaceproperties, breakdown of the material into fragments, change in thecolor of the material, change in the weight of the material, change inflexibility of the material, change in toughness of the material, orrelease of one or more small molecules from the polymer or materialincluding, but not limited to, CO₂, CH₄, and H₂O.

Biologically active agents used in the biodegradation or bioinflation ofmaterials, such as a portion of packaging for example, described hereinmay be, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as a bacteria, anactinobacteria, a proteobacteria, a bacteroidetes, a fungi, a yeast, analgae, or a protozoa. Suitable microorganisms for use in reacting withor consuming materials may be found, for example, in Yoshida et al. (“Abacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate),”Science, 2016, 351(6278):1196-1199), Pathak and Navneet (“Review on thecurrent status of polymer degradation: a microbial approach,”Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 2017, 4:15), Shah et al. (“Microbialdegradation of aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters,” ApplMicrobiol Biotechnol, 2014, 98:3437-3447), and Abdel-Motaal et al.(“Biodegradation of ploy (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) film and foam plastic byPseudozyma japonica sp. nov., a novel cutinolytic ustilaginomycetousyeast species,” 3 Biotech, 2014, 4:507-512).

The microorganism chosen as a biologically active agent forbiodegradation may be matched to the material, compositions, or portionof the article, or article of packaging, designed to be biodegradable.For example, the microorganisms Ideonella sakaiensis may be used todegrade poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic material. Additionalsuitable microorganisms and the corresponding material they are known todegrade are provided in Table 1 below.

The microorganism chosen as a biologically active agent for bioinflationmay be matched to a material or composition that it is known tometabolize or degrade. The chosen microorganism may then be formatted ina composition with a first type of material it is known to metabolize ordegrade, and introduced into a cavity or along an inner surface of thematerial. In some embodiments, the microorganism may be layered betweentwo portions of the material in a sheet or void. It is contemplated thatin all disclosed embodiments, the cavity could be replaced with a void,or layering of materials. The material comprising the packaging asdiscussed herein could be applied to a portion of an article, regardlessof whether that portion is a discrete section or a separate component.

Further, it is contemplated in the present embodiments that the articleis a form of packaging, including the entirety or a portion of thepackaging, as well as the entirety or a portion of any component of thatpackaging. For ease of discussion, however, several of the embodimentsherein will be described in connection with packaging, it beingunderstood that all of these examples may be applicable to a largernumber of articles or portions of articles. In some embodiments, thematerial may be a first material, and there may be a second materialadjacent to the first material, which the biologically active agent isnot known to degrade. Upon degradation of the first type of material bythe biologically active agent, gas will be released to inflate thepackaging. Because the biologically active agent cannot degrade thesecond type of material from which the packaging is made, the packagingwill remain intact and inflated.

TABLE 1 Biologically active agents for biodegradation or bioinflation ofa material. Microorganisms Materials Ideonella sakaiensis; Ideonellasakaiensis Poly(ethylene strain 201-F6; Thermobifida alba Est119;terephthalate) (PET) T. cellulosilytica DSM44535 Pseudomonas putidaNaphthalene Pseudomonas putida Polystyrene Pseudomonas putida; ComamonasPolyurethane acidovorans TB-35; Curvularia senegalensis; Fusariumsolani; Aureobasidium pullulans; Cladosporium sp.; Trichoderma DIA-Tspp.; Trichoderma sp.; Pestalotiopsis microspora Brevibacillusborstelensis; Polyethylene Comamonas acidovorans TB-35; Pseudomonaschlororaphis; P. aeruginosa; P. fluorescens; Rhodococcus erythropolis;R. rubber; R. rhodochrous; Staphylococcus cohnii; S. epidermidis; S.xylosus; Streptomyces badius; S. setonii; S. viridosporus; Bacillusamyloliquefaciens; B. brevis; B. cereus; B. circulans; B. circulans; B.halodenitrificans; B. mycoides; B. pumilus; B. sphaericus; B.thuringiensis; Arthrobacter paraffineus; A. viscosus; Acinetobacterbaumannii; Microbacterium paraoxydans; Nocardia asteroids; Micrococcusluteus; M. lylae; Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus; Aspergillus niger; A.versicolor; A. flavus; Cladosporium cladosporioides; Fusarium redolens;Fusarium spp. AF4; Penicillium simplicissimum YK; P. simplicissimum; P.pinophilum; P. frequentans; Phanerochaete chrysosporium; Verticilliumlecanii; Glioclodium virens; Mucor circinelloides; Acremonium Kiliense;Phanerochaete chrysosporium Pseudomonas fluorescens B-22; P. putida AJ;Polyvinyl chloride P. chlororaphis; Ochrobactrum TD; Aspergillus nigerPseudomonas lemoignei; Alcaligenes faecalis; Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)Schlegelella thermodepolymerans; (PHB) Aspergillus fumigatus;Penicillium spp.; Penicillium funiculosum; Ilyobacter delafieldii; B.thuringiensis; Alcaligenes faecalis Clostridium botulinum; C.acetobutylicum; Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- Streptomyces sp. SNG9; B.thuringiensis co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Bacillus brevis; Clostridiumbotulinum; Polycaprolactone (PCL) C. acetobutylicum; Amycolatopsis sp.;Fusarium solani; Aspergillus flavus; Pseudozyma japonica Y7-09; R.depolymerans strain TB-87; Leptothrix sp. strain TB-71; P. antarcticaJCM 10317; Cryptococcus sp. strain S2; Penicillium roquefort;Amycolatopsis sp.; Polylactic acid Bacillus brevis; Rhizopus delemar R.depolymerans strain TB-87; Leptothrix sp. Poly(ethylene succinate)strain TB-71; (PES) Streptomyces coelicolor 1A; PseudomonasPoly(cis-1,4-isoprene) citronellolis R. depolymerans strain TB-87; P.antarctica Poly(butylene succinate) JCM 10317; A. oryzae RIB40 (PBS) R.depolymerans strain TB-87; Leptothrix sp. Poly(butylene succinate-strain TB-71; P. antarctica JCM 10317 co-adipate) (PBSA) Leptothrix sp.strain TB-71; P. antarctica JCM Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) 10317;Cryptococcus sp. strain S2; Paenebacillus amylolyticus; R. depolymeransstrain TB-87; Leptothrix sp. Poly(butylene adipate-co- strain TB-71;terephthalate) (PBAT) R. depolymerans strain TB-87; Leptothrix sp.Poly(butylene succinate- strain TB-71; co-terephthalate) (PBST) R.depolymerans strain TB-87; Leptothrix sp. Poly(butylene succinate/strain TB-71; terephthalate/ isophthalate-co-lactate) (PBSTIL) T. fusca;T. lanuginosus; Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) P. lemoigneiPolyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) P. fluorescens Polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO)

In some embodiments, biologically active agents used in thebiodegradation or bioinflation of materials described herein may be arecombinant microorganism genetically engineered to express one or moremetabolic enzymes from a microorganism known to be active in thebiodegradation of the material. For example, the biologically activeagent may be a microorganism genetically engineered to expresspoly(ethylene terephthalate), hydrolase (Genbank accession numberGAP38373.1), mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalic acid hydrolase (Genbankaccession number GAP38911.1), terephthalic acid-1,2-dioxygenase,1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dicarboxylate dehydrogenase, PCA3,4-dioxygenase, or combinations thereof, from Ideonella sakaiensis.Metabolic enzymes or other genes of interest for use in geneticallyengineering a recombinant microorganism for use as a biologically activeagent may include, but are not limited to, esterases, lipases,proteases, PHA depolymerases, cutinases, monooxygenases, dioxygenases,hydrolases, dehydrogenases, carrinoid-dependent enzymes, andalginate-producing genes to enhance biofilm formation (e.g., algC).

The biologically active agents used in the materials described hereinmay be contained in or delivered to the article of packaging in anymedium suitable for survival and growth of the biologically activeagents. The medium may be in any form including, but not limited to, agel, a hydrogel, a liquid, a cream, an oil, a foam, a paste, a powder,or a film. Components of the medium may include, but are not limited to,agar, agarose, peptone, polypeptone, glucose, yeast extract, maltextract, polyethylene glycol, salts (e.g., sodium hydrogen carbonate(NaHCO₃), ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃),magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), and sodium chloride (NaCl)), buffers (e.g.,phosphate buffer, Tris buffer, sodium acetate buffer, and citratebuffer), vitamins (e.g., thiamine, niacin, aminobenzoic acid,pyridoxal-HCl, panthothenate, biotin, and vitamin B12), trace elements,water, solvents (e.g., methanol and ethanol), or combinations thereof.The pH of the medium may be adjusted to support the growth and survivalof the biologically active agent. For example, the pH may be, but is notlimited to, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5,8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, or 11.0. The medium may also include alow-crystallinity or low-density polymer such as, but not limited to,low-density polyethylene (LDPE), low-crystallinity PET film, lowmolecular weight polycaprolactine film, p-nitrophenyl butyrate, andp-nitrophenyl palmitate. In some embodiments, the medium includes alow-crystallinity (e.g., 1.9%) PET film to support the survival andgrowth of the microorganism selected as the biologically active agent.

One or more additives may be added to the medium or the material to tunethe degradability, biodegradability, inflation, or bioinflation of thematerial. Additives may include, but are not limited to, benzophenone,polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters, or additional additives. In someembodiments, the additive may be one or more inhibitors to inhibit thedegradation or biodegradation of the material. The inhibitor may beformulated in the medium containing the biologically active agents ormay be printed on the interior surface of the material to inhibitdegradation or biodegradation spatially around the surface of thematerial.

Additionally, the polymer material to be used in an article, such as aportion of packaging, may include an organic filler such as, but notlimited to, eggshell, coconut, abaca, kenaf, seaweed, rice straw, sisal,coffee husk, corn stover, wood shavings, and sawdust. The inclusion ofone or more organic fillers in the polymer material may enhance thedegradation, biodegradation, or inflation or may allow for the tuning ofthe timing and degree of degradation, biodegradation, or inflation.

In some embodiments, the biologically active agent may be introducedinto an article, such as a portion of packaging, as a biofilm. As usedherein, the term “biofilm” refers to a film-like layer of bacteria orfungi formed by assembly of a matrix of extracellular polymericsubstances, which promote cell-to-cell adhesion of bacteria or fungi.The biofilm promotes cell adsorption onto a surface, such as the surfaceof a polymer or material to be degraded. The biofilm may be introducedinto the article of packaging on its own or it may be introduced with amedium that promotes the growth and survival of the bacteria or fungi aswell as maintenance of the biofilm. In some embodiments, one or moredyes may be added to the biofilm to visualize biofilm formation andgrowth or to color the biofilm for use in the packaging.

Optionally, the medium containing the biologically active microorganismmay be embedded as part of a nano-filler into the polymer material ofthe article of packaging. Stimuli used to prompt or acceleratedegradation, biodegradation, inflation, or bioinflation may include, butare not limited to, variations in temperature, heat, cold, sweat,moisture, light, UV light, a change in pressure, a change in humidity, achange in pH, water, or a solvent. The stimuli may prompt or acceleratedegradation, biodegradation, inflation, or bioinflation after a singleexposure by one or more stimuli, or the degradation, biodegradation,inflation, or bioinflation may be tuned to respond after repeatedexposure to the one or more stimuli. The stimuli may be or include anenvironmental stimulant such as exposure to one or more natural elementsincluding humidity or pressure, and the degradation, biodegradation,inflation, or bioinflation may be tuned to respond to an environmentalstimulant after a particular threshold is reached or period of time haselapsed. Exposure to the stimuli may cause a change in color, shape,form, or texture in reaction thereto. The biologically active agentselected for use has one or more beneficial properties that make itresponsive to the stimulant or stimuli in the environment.

A stimulant or stimuli may be used to prompt, accelerate, or deceleratedegradation. For example, in some aspects, the stimuli used to prompt oraccelerate degradation or biodegradation may include, but are notlimited to, variations in temperature (such as increases or decreases inheat), light, UV light, a change in pressure, a change in humidity, achange in pH, exposure to a liquid (e.g., water, salt water, an acidicsolution, a basic solution), exposure to a gas (e.g., CO₂, NH₃, NO₂,O₂), or a solvent.

In yet another aspect, the stimulant or stimuli may include a variationin temperature and the degradation, biodegradation, inflation, orbioinflation may be tuned to respond to the temperature or change intemperature after a particular threshold is reached or a period of timehas elapsed. The stimulant may be light of a given wavelength, such asUV light, visible light, or infrared radiation, or it may be a broadspectrum of light, and the degradation, biodegradation, inflation, orbioinflation may be tuned to respond to the light after a particularthreshold is reached or a period of time has elapsed.

In some embodiments, degradation, biodegradation, inflation, orbioinflation is activated at temperature between about 30° C. and about85° C., e.g., about 25° C., about 30° C., about 35° C., about 40° C.,about 45° C., about 50° C., about 55° C., about 60° C., about 65° C.,about 70° C., about 75° C., about 80° C. or about 85° C. In someembodiments, degradation, biodegradation, inflation, or bioinflation isactivated at a humidity between about 20% relative humidity and about100% relative humidity, e.g., about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%,about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, orabout 100%). In some embodiments, the degradation, biodegradation,inflation, or bioinflation is less active or completely inactivated attemperatures below about 30° C., below about 25° C., below about 20° C.,below about 15° C., below about 10° C., below about 5° C., or belowabout 0° C. In some embodiments, the degradation, biodegradation,inflation, or bioinflation is less active or completely inactivated at ahumidity below about 20%, below about 15%, below about 10%, below about5%, or below about 2%.

The timing and duration of the degradation, biodegradation, inflation,or bioinflation of the material may be tuned or controlled. In someaspects, the timing and duration of the degradation or biodegradation ofa material may be tuned or controlled based on a predetermined rate ofbiodegradation. For instance, a portion of packaging may be tuned tobiodegrade after a predetermined amount of time, e.g., after 12 hours,after 24 hours, after 2 days, after 3 days, after 4 days, after 5 days,after 6 days, after a week, after two weeks, after three weeks, afterfour weeks, after a month, after 2 months, after 3 months, after 6months, after a year, etc. Still further, as will be further discussedherein, a portion of packaging may change in appearance, e.g., color,shape, texture, etc., after a predetermined time of use and, thereby,provide an appearance that is different in a first state than in asecond state. In some embodiments, the material is configured toentirely degrade after two months, after four months, after six months,after eight months, after one year, after 1.5 years, after 2 years,after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years, etc.

In further aspects, the timing and duration of the degradation orbiodegradation of a material may be tuned or controlled based on apredetermined rate of biodegradation. For instance, a portion ofpackaging may include a component thereof that is tuned to biodegradeafter a predetermined time, e.g., after about 12 hours, after about 24hours, after about 2 days, after about 3 days, after about 4 days, afterabout 5 days, after about 6 days, after about a week, after about twoweeks, after about three weeks, after about four weeks, after about amonth, after about 2 months, after about 3 months, after about 6 months,after about a year, etc. In particular embodiments, a portion ofpackaging may include a component thereof that is tuned to biodegradeafter a predetermined time and, resultantly, the packaging may indicateto a user how long the packaging has been securing the article heldtherein. In one particular aspect, a portion of packaging may be tunedto biodegrade after a predetermined time between about 1 week and abouta month, or between about one month and about two months, or betweenabout two months and about three months, or between about three monthsand about four months, or more.

In even further aspects, the timing and duration of the degradation orbiodegradation of the material may be tuned or controlled so thatbiodegradation is only possible for a predetermined amount of time. Forinstance, a portion of packaging may include a component thereof that istuned to biodegrade for only a predetermined amount of time, e.g., afterabout 12 hours, after about 24 hours, after about 2 days, after about 3days, after about 4 days, after about 5 days, after about 6 days, afterabout a week, after about two weeks, after about three weeks, afterabout four weeks, after about a month, after about 2 months, after about3 months, after about 6 months, after about a year, etc., and then ceaseto biodegrade thereafter. For example, a portion of packaging mayinclude a biodegradable portion and/or material layer having abiologically active microorganism with a lifetime of a predeterminedlength, e.g., a week, a month, a year, etc., which allows thebiodegradable portion to biodegrade for that predetermined length oftime, but cease to biodegrade thereafter. As such, the biodegradableportion of packaging may provide an indication as to the extent ofdegredation during that predetermined length of time.

In still further aspects, the timing and duration of the degradation orbiodegradation of a material may be tuned or controlled so that itprovides an indication of environmental exposure of the packaging to auser. For example, as discussed herein, the degradation orbiodegradation of a portion of packaging may be prompted or acceleratedbased on environmental factors, including, but not limited to variationsin temperature, light, UV light, a change in pressure, a change inhumidity, a change in pH, exposure to a liquid, e.g., water, salt water,an acidic solution, a basic solution, and/or exposure to a gas, e.g.,CO₂, NH₃, O₂. Therefore, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure, a portion of packaging may degrade or biodegrade after acertain amount of exposure to CO₂, for example, and/or may degrade orbiodegrade when there are heightened amounts of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 1, biodegradable packaging 20 is shown, which includesa plurality of packaging bubbles 22 (shown in the detail portion of FIG.1), in accordance with the present disclosure. The packaging 20 includesa plurality of the packaging bubbles 22, which are disposed in columnsand rows. In the present embodiment, the packaging 20 has an outer edge24 that comprises a parabola or U-shape. The packaging 20 furtherincludes a first or top layer 26 and a second or bottom layer 28 thatare joined adjacent the outer edge 24. In some embodiments, only thefirst layer 26 is provided. The top layer 26 is also in the generalshape of a U or parabola, and the bottom layer 28 is in the shape of a Uor parabola. The packaging bubbles 22 are disposed along both the toplayer 26 and the bottom layer 28, and are generally disposed adjacent toone another throughout the top layer 26 and the bottom layer 28. A void30 is created between the top layer 26 and the bottom layer 28, whereinan article (see FIG. 4) may be placed into the void 30 for transportand/or storage of the article. The packaging bubbles 22 are alsogenerally airtight, and do not allow air to enter into, or escapetherefrom, unless the packaging bubbles 22 are being degraded by abiologic element, as discussed hereinafter below. For example, in someembodiments, a biological agent may degrade some of the packagingbubbles 22, which may allow the air held therein to escape through oneor more apertures. While the packaging bubbles 22 generally appear to besimilar in shape and configuration to one another, as discussed ingreater detail below, the packaging bubbles 22 may have varyingprogrammable biodegradable aspects, which may be determined before thepackaging 20 is initially formed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a detail view of the packaging bubbles 22 isshown. Each of the packaging bubbles 22 includes an outer shell 34,which is generally rounded, and may be uniform amongst the packagingbubbles 22 in a first state. The outer shell 34 defines an interiorcavity 36 for each of the packaging bubbles 22. As noted above, theinterior cavity 36 is generally air tight, and does not let air enterinto or escape therefrom. In some embodiments, the cavities 36 areconnected to one another via channels 38 (see FIGS. 2C and 2D). Each ofthe packaging bubbles further includes a first element 40 and a secondelement 42 disposed within the interior cavity 36. While the firstelement 40 and the second element 42 are visible in the presentembodiment, the first element 40 and the second element 42 may not bevisible to the naked eye in some embodiments. It should be noted thatthe terms “first element” and “second element” are used herein to referto individual compounds, additives, biologically active agents, discretecomponents, distinct microorganisms, organic fillers, ingredients,combinations of ingredients, or modules.

In some embodiments, the interior cavities 36 of the packaging bubbles22 are interconnected with one another by channels 38 that may bedisposed between the interior cavities 36. In some embodiments, asemi-permeable membrane may be provided between the cavities 36 withinthe channels 38.

In some embodiments, the first element 40 comprises yeast, and thesecond element 42 comprises bacteria, which may be a geneticallymodified bacteria. The yeast of the first element 40 may be used toproduce CO₂ within the interior cavity 36 of the packaging bubbles 22,which may cause the packaging bubbles 22 to inflate over time. Thebacteria of the second element 42 may cause the packaging bubbles 22 todeflate over time. Each of the bubbles 22 may have a differentconcentration of the first element 40 and/or the second element 42,which may cause the bubbles 22 to contract or expand at different ratesor to different extents, over time. Further, the first element 40 is notlimited to yeast, and the second element 42 is not limited to bacteria.Still further, the packaging bubbles 22 may comprise only one of thefirst element 40 or the second element 42, or may further includeadditional, different elements. In fact, the first element 40 and/or thesecond element 42 may include any of the biologically active agentsand/or active agent materials noted herein. In some embodiments, varyinglevels of the first element 40 and the second element 42 are included.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the figures illustrate side schematicviews of a first packaging bubble 44 and a second packaging bubble 46,respectively, which are similar to the packaging bubbles 22 of FIG. 1.In FIG. 2A, the first packaging bubble 44 is shown in an expandingstate, and in FIG. 2B, the second packaging bubble 46 is shown in adeflating state. Referring specifically to FIG. 2A, the first packagingbubble 44 is shown in an expanding state, with a first phantom line 48indicating an initial location or state of the outer shell 34 before thefirst packaging bubble 44 has begun undergoing expansion. The firstelement 40 and the second element 42 are also disposed within theinterior cavity 36 of the first packaging bubble 44. As noted above, thefirst element 40 may include yeast, which may produce CO₂ and can causethe first packaging bubble 44 to expand. The production of CO₂ increasesa volume of the gas within the interior cavity 36, which could cause theouter shell 34 of the first packaging bubble 44 to expand upward, in thedirection of first arrow 50. As noted above, the first element 40 andthe second element 42 may be biologically programmed to adjust the sizeof the first packaging bubble 44 based on one or more factors orconsiderations, as listed above.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2B, the second packaging bubble 46 isshown in a deflating state, with a second phantom line 52 indicating aninitial location or state of the outer shell 34 before the secondpackaging bubble 46 has begun undergoing deformation. The first element40 and the second element 42 are also disposed within the interiorcavity 36 of the second packaging bubble 46. As noted above, the secondelement 42 may include bacteria, which may cause the second packagingbubble 46 to deflate over time by degrading the material comprising theouter shell 34 of the second packaging bubble 46. More specifically, thebacteria may cause an aperture 54 to form within the outer shell 34 ofthe second packaging bubble 46, and air may escape the bubble 46 in thedirection of a second arrow 56. As noted above, one or more factors maycontribute to a rate or length of time that degradation occurs, such asexternal factors or an intended life cycle of the bacteria. Stillfurther, the packaging 20 may have properties that allow the bacteria todegrade the packaging over a first period of time, and the packaging maycease to degrade during a second period of time. Additional, varyingembodiments of the first packaging bubble 46 and the second packagingbubble 48 are shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, and 2D and 2F, respectively.More specifically, channels 38 are shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2Cand 2D, which may allow the bubbles 22 to be fluidly connected to oneanother, and a thicker outer shell 34 is shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2E and 2F.

While the first packaging bubble 44 and the second packaging bubble 46are shown in an expansion state and a deflating state, respectively, itshould be understood that more complex expansion or deflation techniquesmay be implemented, such that the packaging bubbles 22 may undergoexpansion or deflation at different times for a variety of reasons. Forexample, in some instances, some of the packaging bubbles 22 may expandfor a pre-set period of time, and then such packaging bubbles 22 maybegin to undergo deflation and/or degradation. Further, in someembodiments, some of the packaging bubbles 22 may deflate for a pre-setperiod of time, and afterwards such packaging bubbles 22 may begin toinflate or expand.

The programming of the inflation/deflation of the packaging bubbles 22may be caused by an intended fit of the packaging 20 over one or morearticles, or may be caused by a desire to degrade the packaging 20 at acertain rate, after it is expected that a consumer no longer requiresthe packaging to retain its current form. Many considerations may betaken into account to determine when and how the packaging bubbles 22are to deform, a number of which are listed herein. In some embodiments,an initial volume of the bubbles 22 is predefined in light of a desiredrate of biodegradation. In some embodiments, a desired quantity of thefirst element 40 and/or second element 42 is added to the packagingbased on an intended amount of degradation of the packaging 20. In thatsense, the amount of degradation of the packaging 20 may be altered bymultiple, pre-defined factors, so an initial volume of the packagingbubbles 22 may be customized in light of the article(s) intended to beplaced into the packaging 20.

Now turning to FIGS. 3A-3C, perspective views of the packaging 20 areshown in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a thirdconfiguration, respectively. Referring specifically to FIG. 3A, thepackaging 20 is shown in a first configuration. In the firstconfiguration, the bubbles 22 along the top layer 26 and the bottomlayer 28 of the packaging 20 are in an initial or null state, whereinthe bubbles 22 are generally deflated. The disposition of the bubbles 22in the initial state allows the packaging 20 to be efficiently andeconomically stored prior to use as packaging to store or transport oneor more articles. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the initial state thepackaging 20 is subjected to heat, microwaves, or another externalstimulant 60 from a source (not shown), which causes the first element40, the second element 42, and/or the packaging 20 itself to begin totransition into a second configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B. Thestimulant 60 causes the packaging 20 to inflate or expand, and in someembodiments, further causes the first element 40 and/or the secondelement 42 to be activated. As a result, in the first configuration, thepackaging 20 is activated into an in-use state. However, it should benoted that in some embodiments, the stimulant 60 is not needed toinflate or expand, rather, the packaging 20 is in an inflated stateimmediately after manufacturing.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, the packaging 20 is shown in a secondconfiguration. In the second configuration, the bubbles 22 along the toplayer 26 and the bottom layer 28 of the packaging 20 are in a second orpartially expanded state, wherein the bubbles 22 are partially inflated.In some embodiments, the volume of expansion of the bubbles 22 isinversely proportional to a size of the article(s) to be encapsulatedwithin the packaging 20. The second state of the bubbles 22 is anintermediate step between the null state and a fully inflated state ofthe packaging 20. In the partially expanded state, the bubbles 22 arebeing expanded and the first element 40 and/or second element 42 withinthe interior cavities 36 thereof are being activated by the stimulant 60from the external stimulant source (not shown). In the secondconfiguration, the first element 40 and/or the second element 42 may beeither partially or fully activated. In some embodiments, the stimulantsource may not cause activation of the first element 40 and/or thesecond element 42; rather, the first element 40 and/or second element 42may be activated after a certain amount of time has elapsed. In someembodiments, the first element 40 is activated by a first stimulant, andthe second element 42 is activated by a second stimulant, different thanthe first stimulant. In some embodiments, the first stimulant may beapplied at a first time, and the second stimulant may be applied at asecond time, different than the first time.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, the packaging 20 is shown in a thirdconfiguration. In the third configuration, the bubbles 22 along the toplayer 26 and the bottom layer 28 of the packaging 20 are in a third orfully expanded state, wherein the bubbles 22 are fully inflated. In someembodiments, the third state of the bubbles 22 is a final step ofinitial inflation. In the fully expanded state, the bubbles 22 areexpanded, and the first element 40 and/or the second element 42 withinthe interior cavities 36 are fully activated. In some embodiments, thestimulant 60 is not applied once the packaging 20 has achieved the thirdstate. In some embodiments, the stimulant 60 is no longer needed in thefully expanded state since the first element 40 and/or the secondelement 42 may be fully activated at this juncture. In some embodiments,the stimulant 60 is continually applied to the packaging 20, forexample, if the stimulant 60 is ambient air.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the bubbles 22 are of varying initial sizes andhave varying internal volumes, which may be due to size or volumeconsiderations of the articles that are intended to be carried by thepackaging. It should be noted that once the packaging 20 has achievedthe third state of FIG. 3C, the first element 40 and/or the secondelement 42 may begin the process of inflating or deflating one or moreof the bubbles 22, based on a pre-set, programmed, or intended amount ofinflation/deflation. Further, in the third state, some of the bubbles 22may be inflated to a greater degree than other bubbles 22, which may bea result of a varying thickness or consistency of the packagingmaterial. Referring again to FIGS. 2E and 2F, additional embodiments aredepicted where the first bubble 44 and the second bubble 46 have outershells 34 that have a greater thickness than the outer shells 34 of theembodiments of 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. Varying levels of inflation may berequired in embodiments having bubbles 22 with outer shells 34 that arethicker than the outer shells 34 of the other bubbles 22.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a perspective view of the biodegradablepackaging 20 is shown in the third state (of FIG. 3C) and holding afirst or left article of footwear 62 and a second or right article offootwear 64. The first article of footwear 62 and the second article offootwear 64 combine to form a pair of shoes 66. The packaging of FIG. 4generally depicts the packaging 20 immediately after an article, in thiscase a pair of shoes 66, has been placed into the void 30 createdbetween the top layer 26 and the bottom layer 28 of the packaging 20.The packaging 20 may be generally conformed to the outer contours of thepair of shoes 66, and may be further formed around the pair of shoes 66,once the first element 40 and/or the second element 42 have begun tocause the bubbles 22 to inflate or deflate, as described above withrespect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In some embodiments, some of the bubbles 22may begin to immediately degrade in a noticeable manner after the pairof shoes 66 has been inserted into the packaging 20. In someembodiments, some or all of the bubbles 22 inflate to a pre-determinedpoint. In some embodiments, some or all of the bubbles 22 inflate untilthe bubbles 22 hit a surface along the pair of shoes 66 that preventsfurther expansion of the bubbles 22. Simultaneously, the bubbles 22could be degrading in an unnoticeable manner such that at some point,the packaging 20 eventually becomes deflated. Further, in thisembodiment, the packaging 20 will eventually be completely degraded bythe first element 40 or the second element 42.

Referring to FIG. 5, a side view is shown of the biodegradable packaging20 and shoes 66 of FIG. 4 in a first or non-degraded configuration. FIG.5 provides a side view of the packaging 20 and the shoes of FIG. 4, soas to provide context regarding the initial state of the packaging 20before the first element 40 and/or the second element 42 have causeddeformation of the bubbles 22. In some embodiments, the shoes 66 orother articles may be placed into the packaging 20 before the stimulant60 is applied to the packaging 20, which, when applied, activatesportions of the packaging. In some embodiments, the packaging 20 neednot be activated by the stimulant source, but may instead come inactivated form, or may be activated once removed from a sealedcontainer.

Now turning to FIG. 6, a side view of the biodegradable packaging 20 andshoes 66 are shown in a degraded configuration. The degradedconfiguration may be a partially degraded, or a fully degradedconfiguration. As noted above, any number of factors may contribute tothe level of degradation achieved in a degraded configuration. In someembodiments, the packaging 20 is biologically programmed to degrade at acertain rate in a certain configuration around the shoes 66 so thatduring transport and/or storage of the shoes 66, the packaging 20achieves an efficient configuration secured around the shoes 66. Stillfurther, in some embodiments, additional packaging may be providedwithin the void 30 of the packaging 20, or may be provided around orabout the packaging 20.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow chart that includes a method 100 ofmanufacturing the packaging 20 as disclosed herein is shown. At a step102, method 100 includes providing a first portion of material, whichmay be a packaging material. At step 104, the method 100 includesproviding a first element and a second element, which may be the sameas, or similar to, the first element 40 and the second element 42, asnoted above. At step 106, the method 100 includes the step of providingor printing the first element 40 and the second element 42 on the firstportion of the material. At step 108, the method 100 includes the stepof providing a second portion of the material. At step 110, the method100 includes the step of coupling the first portion of packagingmaterial with the second portion of packaging material and forming aplurality of cavities having outer surfaces that are defined by thefirst portion of packaging material and the second portion of packagingmaterial. Once the plurality of cavities are formed, the first elementand the second element are disposed within the plurality of cavities, asdiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-6. Finally, at an optional step114, the packaging is subjected to a stimulant or stimuli, as discussedabove, which may cause the first element and/or the second element tobegin a process that may inflate or deflate bubbles formed in thepackaging. Additional steps may be provided, and the steps as listedabove need not be performed in that order. Still further, one or more ofthe steps may be removed.

Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description.Accordingly, this description, and the aforementioned examples, are tobe construed as illustrative only and are presented for the purpose ofenabling those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of thepresent disclosure, and to teach the best mode of carrying out same.

As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat while the invention has been described above in connection withparticular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily solimited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses,modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses areintended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entiredisclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporatedby reference, as if each such patent or publication were individuallyincorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of theinvention are set forth in the following claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description.Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative onlyand is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art tomake and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying outsame. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within thescope of the appended claims are reserved.

We claim:
 1. Packaging, comprising: a first layer of bubbles, whereineach of the bubbles comprises an outer shell that defines an interiorcavity; and a first element and a second, different element providedwithin the interior cavity of at least one bubble, wherein the at leastone bubble is configured to inflate or degrade over time.
 2. Thepackaging of claim 1, wherein the first element is yeast.
 3. Thepackaging of claim 1, wherein the second element includes bacteria. 4.The packaging of claim 1, wherein the outer shell of the at least onebubble including the first element and the second element comprises abiodegradable material.
 5. The packaging of claim 4, wherein the firstelement is yeast and the second element is bacteria.
 6. The packaging ofclaim 4, wherein all of the bubbles of the first layer include the firstelement and the second element in their respective cavities.
 7. Thepackaging of claim 1, wherein the first element and the second elementare not activated during a first state, and wherein the first elementand the second element are activated during a second state. 8.Packaging, comprising: a first layer and a second layer of bubbles,wherein each of the bubbles comprises an outer shell that defines aninterior cavity, the first layer and the second layer being connectedalong an edge, wherein at least one bubble of the first layer of bubblesincludes a first element and a second element within the interiorcavity, wherein at least one bubble of the second layer of bubblesincludes the first element and the second element within the interiorcavity, and wherein the at least one bubbles of the first and secondlayers are configured to inflate or degrade over time.
 9. The packagingof claim 8, wherein the first element is yeast.
 10. The packaging ofclaim 8, wherein the second element includes bacteria.
 11. The packagingof claim 8, wherein the outer shells of the at least one bubbleincluding the first element and the second element in the first andsecond layers comprises a biodegradable material.
 12. The packaging ofclaim 11, wherein the first element is yeast and the second element isbacteria.
 13. The packaging of claim 11, wherein all of the bubbles ofthe first layer and second layer include the first element and thesecond element in their respective cavities.
 14. The packaging of claim8, wherein a void is formed between the first layer of bubbles and thesecond layer of bubbles.
 15. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the voidis configured to hold a pair of shoes.
 16. The packaging of claim 8,wherein the first plurality of bubbles are configured to inflate and thesecond plurality of bubbles are configured to deflate after beingsubjected to a stimulant.
 17. A method of preparing an article offootwear for transport in bubble-type packaging, comprising the stepsof: providing packaging that includes: a first layer and a second layerof bubbles, wherein each of the bubbles comprises an outer shell thatdefines an interior cavity, wherein each of the first layer of bubblesand the second layer of bubbles includes a first element and a secondelement within the interior cavity of each bubble, and wherein thebubbles are configured to inflate or degrade over time; emitting a firststimulant upon the packaging to activate the first element and thesecond element; and placing the article within a void defined betweenthe first layer and the second layer.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the article includes a pair of shoes.
 19. The method of claim17, wherein the first layer and the second layer have bubbles of a firstsize and bubbles of a second size, wherein the first size is greaterthan the second size.
 20. The method of claim 17 further comprisingsecuring the article by biologically programming the first element andthe second element to cause the first layer of bubbles and the secondlayer of bubbles to snugly secure the article.